Affording a life in london....

[Jess118]

Hi guys, i'm new to the forums. anyhow, got my results and confirmed my place for medicine at barts : woohoo!

But now its really starting to hit me, and being born and bred in manchester where i would say the lifestyle is fairly affordable, i am wondering to what extent can i afford life in london?

i dont want to rely on my parents, cos to be fair they have their own financial costs/mortgages etc to pay off, so i was wondering, do you guys know if its possible to afford 5 years in london totally independently relying on grants,loans and hopefully a part time job?

thanx, any replies would be much appreciated both from fellow newbies and experienced medics!

[LittleNik]

I'd say you could manage it! Depends how much you will get from the tuition fee and maintenance loans - it's different for each student depending on family income and such. I'd say you'd definitely need a part time job though, and a full time one in the summer.

If your parents can help you a little then let them - it will make your life much easier!!

Welcome to the world of Asda Economy baked beans and Tesco Value 8p instant noodles

[couldntgetaname]

Indeed - live life out of a blue stripey packet and you should be fine.

Just make sure that you splash out on a multivitamin [works out at about 10p a day to not end up dead - a bargain] and use the odd quality product [things like spices and such that go a *llloooonnnnngggg* way and drastically improve the 8p noodles and 20p-for-a-week pasta]. Stay away from big brand alcohol, the own-brand stuff from all the supermarkets is fine and dandy.

[Shyamo]

I was thinking about this too as i also come from a cheaper city and i wrote up some kind of draft budget...most likely i think i'm going to blow the budget very quickly. I'm not going to get help from my parents since they think i should learn how to live by myself or something. i think it should be okay as long as barts gives us some bursary then i'll be okay i think anyway.

[purple_monkey]

Stay away from big brand alcohol, the own-brand stuff from all the supermarkets is fine and dandy.

I've had bad experience with own brand alcohol from supermarkets, they give you a bad hangover unlike the big brand ones.

Also I heard from my friend that if your parents earn under 25k you are entitled to a bursary of 4k from Barts and the London if you got 3A's.
And if you don't your entitled to 1k if your parents earn under 25k.
You should check out the QMUL website for more details.
Best bet to save some money is to work at any big supermarket stores that way you get a 10% discount!
Working at restaurants are good as well as you get free meals. However to earn the most part time money, best bet is banks and secretary jobs.

[bennett]

Many people do manage. It definately helps to get some money from your parents but if not I think there are hardship loans for people like that. Its not too difficult to get a part time job and it will be very important in a situation like this. Going out, eating out and alcohol are the biggest expenses so these will need to be comprimised to some extent. Supermarket food is very cheap. There are much cheaper places to live than Halls of residences (£60 quid a week places). There are loans too. So I guess its not too difficult just a case of pic and mix as to what you want to comprimise on.

Also look into army/RAF sponsorship etc schemes. They pay for all your years at uni with a stipend in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. However you will be debted to 6 years of medical service to them (an army doctor basically).

[Jess118]

Awww thanks a lot guys, that was really informative and helpful! I just want to ensure that it is manageable, thats it really, as student debt is all part of life but i just wanted to ensure that its 'possible'.

Besides medicine is the 'dream'!

[Gizmo says -]

well its all the more possible at brats and georgies.

[dsn]

Besides medicine is the 'dream'!

Which can be fulfilled at any of 27 medical schools outside of London...

[Gizmo says -]

or any of the one skools in aberdeeny.